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Cable Reverse-Grip Forearm Curl

Beginner

A seated isolation movement using a low cable and an overhand grip, specifically targeting the forearm extensors to build grip strength and muscular size.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, Bar Cable Attachment

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Endurance

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Extensors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Keep rest short for high volume/pump effect.

How to Perform

Sit facing the cable machine with a straight bar attached to a low pulley. Grab the bar using an overhand (reverse) grip, about shoulder-width apart. Rest your forearms on your thighs so that your wrists hang just over your knees.

  1. Point your knuckles down, allowing the cable bar to stretch your wrists fully into flexion.
  2. Slowly curl the bar upward by pointing your knuckles toward the ceiling, contracting the forearm extensors.
  3. Curl your wrists as high as possible without lifting your forearms off your thighs.
  4. Slowly return the bar to the stretched position to begin the next repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Forearms glued to thighs
  • Slow and controlled
  • Full wrist stretch
  • Only move the wrists

Breathing

Exhale as you curl the wrists up (concentric phase); inhale as you lower the bar and stretch the forearms.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Move the wrists from maximal flexion (knuckles pointing down) to maximal extension (knuckles pointing up).

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light to moderate resistance to avoid wrist joint strain.
  • Stop immediately if sharp pain occurs in the wrist or forearm.

Spotting

Not recommended. This is a low-risk isolation exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting the forearms or elbows
  • Using momentum or speed
  • Bending the elbows

When to Avoid

  • Acute wrist injury or severe forearm tendinitis.

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist flexion and extension range of motion.

Also known as

Cable Reverse Wrist Curl, Reverse Grip Cable Wrist Curl, Cable Forearm Reverse Curl

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